Coronavirus: Service remembers Isle of Man Covid-19 victims

The service was held to remember those who died during the pandemic

Victims of the coronavirus pandemic on the Isle of Man have been remembered in a special service.

Of the 336 confirmed cases of the virus on the island, 24 people died between 1 April and 15 May.

Family and friends of those who lost their lives were invited to light a candle in memory of their loved ones during the ceremony in Douglas.

Friday marks 100 days since the last positive case of the virus was recorded in the Manx community.

Archdeacon Ven Andrew Brown led the all-faith service, which was open to the public, at St George's Church.

During the service, the Bishop of Sodor and Man Rt Rev Peter Eagles said remembering those who died was "not just an act of the mind, but an act of the heart, an act of the soul, an act of the spirit, an act of love".

He also praised the work of key workers and the community support offered during the outbreak.

"When communities come together like that and look out for each other something wonderful is happening, something wonderful is being done," he said.

Twenty-four candles were lit to represent those who died during the pandemic

The efforts of healthcare and other key workers will also be marked on Saturday with a parade lap of the TT course.

Representatives of the emergency services will join delivery drivers and members of the public for a trip around the 37.73-mile circuit, which will set off from the grandstand at 15:00.

Friday, which is a one-off public holiday on the Isle of Man, marks the start of a four-day holiday period for most workers.